Pros: More characters, two riders per kart,better courses.
Cons: No Toad(well until you unlock him...).
The bottom line: I would recommend ANYBODY to buy this game because of its fun and longevity(especially in multiplayer). It is sheer class. Buy it.
The game Mario Kart:Double Dash!! for the Gamecube is one of the best games I have ever played in my life! The multiplayer mode is outstanding(especially when you hit your brother with a red shell and overtake him on the line to win the race). It took me a week of moderate playing to complete this game i.e. win the All Tours Cup on 150cc, 100cc, 50cc and mirror mode. There are 16 courses in Grand Prix mode,split over four cups. My favourites are Mario Circuit, Dino Dino Jungle, and Bowser's Castle. There are many game modes including Time Trials, Grand Prix, Versus, and Battle. There are 16 characters to start off with and you must choose 2 and a kart. The heavier the characters you choose, the bigger the kart must be for them to fit in to i.e. if you choose Bowser, you must choose a large kart. I love Time Trial Mode because you can beat your best times and race ghosts to measure your time against. I got this game free with my Gamrecube at Chrustmas 2003 and it is simply outstanding. There is absolutely NOTHING I dislike about this game. If, you don't have a copy, get one. It may just change your life for the better.